22 minute read
MIDDLE EAST NEWS
CT BRINGS VIDEO SOLUTION TO WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER
THE COMPANY SUPPLIES OVER 1,300 SQ M OF LED FOR THE EVENT IN JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA.
Screenworks engaged Creative Technology (CT) to deliver more than 1,300 sq m of LED and a fully redundant E2 screen management system for WWE – Elimination Chamber, which took place at the world’s largest freestanding super dome in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The supply included the main entrance screen, structure legs around the ring, and the large screens situated above the centre of the ring. The impressive over-ring design consisted of four large LED screens that formed a 360° visual spectacle. LED was also used to wrap around the four truss tower legs.
“We used a fully redundant E2 screen management system to ensure the event was seamless,” said Senior Video Engineer, Quintin Posthumus. “A significant amount of planning and preparation took place months before the event, and it was incredible to see the immense piece of engineering come together. We have a dedicated team of engineers who worked hard to ensure that everything ran efficiently.”
Project Manager, Dan Hughes added: “We had 20 engineers on the ground, building LED for the large-scale technical production. The team were ready for any changing scope and last-minute editions. Thank you Screenworks for trusting us each year to make this a spectacular event.” Photo: CTME www.ctme.co
Third-Year Production Arts student, Aida Allowch; Sound Engineer, Febin Thomas; and Lead Sound Tutor, John Parkhouse.
SPAA AUDIO DEPARTMENT MAKES MAJOR INVESTMENT
THE UPDATE INCLUDES THE FIRST DIGICO QUANTUM 255 TO BE PURCHASED AND DELIVERED IN THE UAE.
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) has made a significant investment in its audio department, offering its students the opportunity to get hands-on experience with a range of industry-leading equipment.
The upgrade came on the recommendation of Lead Sound Tutor, John Parkhouse. “On joining SPAA, I embarked on a thorough analysis of existing stock and compiled a wish list of how it could be enhanced,” he explained.
The primary request was the newly released DiGiCo Quantum 225 console with optics, plus Dante and MADI DMI cards, as well as a DiGiCo SD Rack fully loaded with 32bit Stadius i/o cards and an SD Mini Rack fully loaded with Stadius i/o and AES/EBU i/o cards.
“I want to provide training and experience on the best equipment available, which is also chosen with long-term future-proofing a significant priority,” he said.
Parkhouse, who brings extensive industry experience to his role at SPAA, described the purchase as “major for an educational establishment”. He added: “It is crucial to provide access to the latest technology found in the best-equipped venues and shows regionally and indeed worldwide.
“Additionally, the DANTE capabilities and loading the racks with the 32-bit Stadius cards gives current, cutting-edge capabilities for optimal sound quality and interoperability.”
The audio department also purchased four Luminex Gigacore 14R units – which have been used to create an audio network for system control, optimisation, and DANTE/AVB streams in the institution’s main theatre – as well as two Apple Mac Minis, a Universal Audio x8 with ‘Ultimate 9’ plug-in bundle, and two Rational Acoustics SMAART Live systems.
“The computing, Luminex, Universal Audio and SMAART Live systems give access to deep dive into system design, networking, control, analysis, and optimisation,” Parkhouse outlined. “We will also explore the excellent class-leading dynamics, EQ and effects plugins available from Universal Audio via the x8 in live, recording, and playback scenarios.” The investment also includes a range of DPA microphones and accessories, including 16 4488 headset mics, 16 6060 lavalier mics, and a 4099 10-way touring kit.
“The DPA mics are chosen because they are simply the mic type of choice for most theatres, broadcast and live events of all kinds.”
According to Parkhouse, further upgrades are planned. “We are planning for further updates and enhancement of RF systems mics and IEMs, stage monitoring, stage line and patch systems, wired microphone stock, and potential revamp on recording studio capabilities,” he revealed.
“It’s exhilarating for me to be at an institution that wants to provide access to real-world, industry-leading equipment, allowing students the prospect to be trained and gain valuable experience in technology they will find at all the best rental companies and venues. Ultimately allowing them possibilities to feed into the industry within internships and upon graduation.” Photos: SPAA www.spaa.ae
AGGREKO POWERS RIYADH SEASON CLOSING CEREMONY
THE COMPANY PROVIDES 2MW OF POWER FOR THE FULL PRODUCTION.
Riyadh Season came to a spectacular end for another year on 24 March, with a closing ceremony featuring DJ Rodge, Michel Fadel and Sean Paul. 360 Productions engaged Aggreko to supply power for the full stage production, which took place in Riyadh Boulevard.
“We designed the concert power, calculated the maximum load and created a layout for the client,” explained Regional Events Manager MENA, Martin Nichol. “We provided 2MW of power, along with all the equipment and crew to install and maintain the equipment whilst the concert was on. Our engineers were stationed on site to ensure that power levels were optimised and constant and the equipment-maintained operations in the most critical moments for the clients providing continuous power stress free.”
With sandstorms and high temperatures during the load-in, the Aggreko team overcame the conditions to deliver to a tight deadline. An extensive inventory of equipment and cable needed to be delivered quickly – something which Aggreko is renowned for,” added Nichol. “This is where our people took on the challenge in the design, transport and the installation of the power to cater for the event.”
Aggreko had two technicians working throughout the concert and a team of six local labour were assisting the Project Manager on the site. “During the event, we load shared generators to maximise the outputs and minimise running time of the generators,” Nichol explained.
Looking back on the project, Nichol was pleased with the delivery. We delivered precisely on the customer’s wishes, which meant that hundreds of entertainers could entertain the millions watching the action unfold,” he concluded. “We build partnerships rather than conventional business agreements. It allows for trust to be created between us and customers, and it means that the customer can get exactly what they require with the minimum of fuss.” Photo: Aggreko www.aggreko.com
CTME EXPANDS LIGHTING AND AUDIO INVENTORY
Creative Technology Middle East (CTME) has invested in both its lighting and audio departments, purchasing a range of Ayrton fixtures, as well as DiGiCo Quantum 338 and SD12 consoles.
“Ayrton is recognised as a world-class brand that always pushes technology and design to the limit,” said Sam Connolly, Head of Lighting at CTME, commenting on the lighting investment. “They are full of innovation, power, versatility, and unbeatable reliability and I am extremely excited to have these new fixtures added to our existing stock. The investment we have made is unique to the Middle East as we can now offer our clients premium lighting packages for all their indoor and outdoor events across the GCC.”
JP de Vernon, Brand Manager at NMK Electronics, added: “After many hours of discussions and shoot outs, the Ayrton 3 series consisting of the Diablo, Levante and Karif LT became the clear choice, with the Perseo Profile adding the extra output needed to get as creative as it gets. We are extremely glad that one of the leading events and rental companies in the region has chosen Ayrton as their preferred fixture for their latest inventory upgrade.”
Michael Althaus, Global Sales Director of Ayrton, said: “We are very thankful and proud having CT as a new member in the fast-growing, global Ayrton family. An investment throughout the Ayrton range and not in just one particular product means a lot and confirms the right positioning of our product portfolio, both with IP20 and also IP65/66 solutions.”
The company’s recent audio investment means it is the first in the Middle East to stock the new DiGiCo Quantum 338. “As a long-time DiGiCo user, knowing what the British manufacturer represents in modern pro-audio, deciding to go with DiGiCo was easy,” commented Wissam Shaheen, Head of Audio.
“Quantum 3 now sits at the forefront of our new audio mixers inventory; this desk defines the future of sound mixing with features only a Quantum can deliver.”
He continued: “SD12 consoles have joined our control fleet, the most versatile mixing console on the market today, and S21 compact mixers, the ever so practical console that delivers every time. An extensive line-up of I/O options accompanies all our mixers from SD-Racks to SDNANO Racks and everything in between. We have ensured that every available slot is filled with the mighty Stadius 32-bit Pre-Amp/ DAC cards, with every connectivity option available.”
Chadi El Masri, CEO and Founder of 7Hertz, added: “7Hertz was honoured to be part of this milestone step taken by Creative Technology in being the first in the region to acquire the new Digico Q338 console. We always meet at the common goal of better serving our end client by offering the latest in the new technology at the highest standards.”
“I am delighted that CT has chosen to go the DiGiCo route and have bought such a comprehensive and flexible system of consoles and racks,” commented Ian Staddon, Vice President of Sales at DiGiCo UK. “After meeting CT together with our distributor, 7Hertz, last September, we discussed their requirements to achieve their goal to expand to a ‘full service’ provider for the region. As such, it was very important to work together to ensure the right products were provided.”
Andy Reardon, Managing Director of CTME, commented: “We are committed to providing our clients with the very best full-service solutions, which is why we continue to invest in event technology in the region. We made this investment recognising that CT can be a onestop solution partner for our clients, ensuring quality products, a world-class bespoke service, and the best team on hand.” Photo: CTME www.ctme.co www.ayrton.eu www.digico.biz
PROVISION AVL REBRANDS
THE DISTRIBUTOR GETS A BRAND-NEW LOGO AND WEBSITE.
Dubai-based distributor, ProVision AVL has launched a new website and logo.
“In these evolving times, we felt it was the time to modernise our brand image and identity, while making sure it represented our core values and vision,” stated General Manager, Kevin Boujikan. The new website integrates the distributor’s new brand representations, which include PMC Speakers, Procab, Argosy and FBT. “The intention was to make the website more interactive and better performing, while having the new brand representations successfully integrated into this new platform,” he said.
“We continue to evolve to provide a cutting-edge approach as a leading distributor across the UAE and the whole MENA and GCC region,” he concluded. “Now with a new look that reflects our brand identity and our core values, we promise to remain committed and continue to deliver the best products and support for our valued customers.” Photo: ProVision AVL www.provisionavl.com
WORLD DEFENSE SHOW 2022
PROTEC OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE VENUE AND TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS FOR THE RIYADH EVENT.
While poor weather conditions including dust storms and high winds forced the cancellation of the grand opening ceremony and some of the planned aerobatic displays, some unique attractions generated high levels of interest at the recent World Defense Show (WDS) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Protec was entrusted by its client, WDS, with the full theatrical and stage management along with complete scenic, staging, and technical production of the opening ceremony and a Command and Control Centre experience for this inaugural edition of the expo.
“We ploughed through various challenges and had everything ready, including four 12m by 7m mobile LED screens, scenic elements, audio, seating stands, live cameras, pre-filmed and edited video content and days of rehearsals to get the opening ceremony together, but the weather was against us. It was a real shame we couldn’t go ahead with this show,” explained Eddie Andradé, who managed the project.
“We did, however, proudly deliver all the shows for the Command and Control Centre experience, which was well-received by all the stakeholders of WDS and the visitors to the expo. This was a unique theatrical production with an intense intermingling of technical content and live performances. The conceptual design and AV solutions were designed by our Technical Director, Nick Groves. Talent like his, along with the dedication and hard work of the entire Protec team both, on and off-site, constantly fending off various challenges, made this production the success it was and quite memorable.”
Spanning an 800,000 sq m site, the World Defense Show featured three large exhibition halls, outdoor exhibit spaces, dedicated demonstration and display areas, a purposebuilt 3km-long runway and space for static aircraft displays. Some 600 defence and security exhibitors from 42 countries took part in the expo, which was set up by the Kingdom’s General Authority for Military Industries, and 80 military delegations from 85 countries also took part.
With shows that ran up to five times per day, the Command and Control Centre was an interactive, immersive, and real-world C5ISR experience, which featured a theatricalised 30-minute audio-visual spectacle, combining live actors with highly engaging advanced virtual environments and constructive simulations.
Housed in Protec’s SUPAdome, the ultrarealistic future all-domains Command and Control concept, where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms employing super-computers operated alongside more traditional operational data manipulation technologies, captured a ‘12-hour period of a national response’ when confronted with an imminent ‘strategic crisis’, simulating the future of interoperability at the highest levels. The show involved 31 actors and three stage management crew, along with a director and producer and nine tech crew, led by Nick Groves.
Elaborating on the choice of the SUPAdome, Groves explained: “This modular superstructure was a perfect venue solution. It is customisable, extendable, brandable and weather resistant. It also has impressive rigging capabilities with rigging points throughout the high roof, and each arch able to support three tonnes.”
At capacity, the structure measures an impressive 36m wide, 84m long and has 15.8m of headroom as well as an internal weight load capacity of over 40 tonnes. “The versatility of the structure means that it can be used in different configurations to suit multiple event formats, from being used as a concert roof to a gala, theatre or as a corporate venue for events and exhibitions,” Groves added. “For the Command and Control Centre experience, we used a three bay extension (out of the possible eight bays) to cover an area of 36m by 54m with a bespoke entrance feature.”
Working closely with Groves, Production Manager, Pieter Smuts expanded on the main
advantages of Protec supplying its own structure and equipment directly from the company’s Riyadh facility. “It meant that we weren’t waiting on shipments or on another supplier to build the venue, so setup ran smoothly,” he said. “The venue itself is unique – designed with event loads in mind and providing more weight loading than conventional temporary structures (marquees), we were able to implement the technical aspect without the usual restrictions, which in turn enhanced the final product.”
Along with the venue solution, Protec supplied a comprehensive technical and staging package, including L-Acoustics PA with a DiGiCo console, 180 sq m of curved Absen 3.9mm PL series LED screen, disguise media server, effects lighting, monitors, rigging, staging, tiered seating stand and fit-out.
One of the big challenges from Protec’s point of view was the venue location – some 70km outside of Riyadh. Restrictions on truck movements meant logistics needed to be carefully planned to ensure equipment was on-site when required. This meant equipment being loaded from Protec’s local warehouses – two-and-a-half hours drive away – and delivered 12 hours before installation. The site was also very exposed – being a working airfield – so the crew were subject to everchanging weather, including regular sandstorms.
“We had to work on the project for several weeks prior to its confirmation providing conceptual designs, technical designs, animations, and graphic elements. CAD services provided the finalised site overlays,” Groves revealed. “Final designs were supplied by Protec as well as full implementation on site. Content was created for the screens by us, with 22 individual feeds required for the Command and Control Centre desktop screens. disguise was utilised for the main 30m by 6m screen matrix.”
WDS Project Director for the opening ceremony and the Command and Control Centre, Nick Mattingley stated: “Protec’s tenacity and diligence throughout this very difficult project are highly commendable. Their solutions-based approach ensured every obstacle was met with options right up to the last minute. The final product exceeded everyone’s expectations. It was a pleasure working with the Protec team.” Photos: Protec www.worlddefenseshow.com www.productiontec.com
THE WORLD’S LARGEST KALEIDOSCOPE
STUFISH ENTERTAINMENT ARCHITECTS UNVEILS THE RECORD-BREAKING INSTALLATION AT THE 2022 LEAP ONE EYE ON THE STARS CONFERENCE IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA.
Visitors to Riyadh Front Expo Centre for the 2022 LEAP One Eye On the Stars Conference were treated to a unique immersive experience – the world’s largest kaleidoscope. Within the installation, guests were exposed to scenes of Saudi Arabia’s natural environment layered with digitally transforming content that mirrors the country’s commitment and investment in technology moving toward the future.
At 40m long, 6m high and 3m wide, the kaleidoscope is the world’s largest of its kind, designed with seamless and warp-less mirrors to achieve an ever-expanding environment. Representing the natural stratification of Saudi Arabia, the installation takes visitors on a journey from the bottom of the sea to the sky and stars above the Arabian Peninsula.
The installation was designed with two triangular entry and exit openings at either end that didn’t disrupt the seamless content reflected within the kaleidoscope, providing an immersive experience for all who walked through. To create the journey from the sea to the stars, MediaPRO 4.9mm LED floor and wall tiles were used, which were reflected by the large 6m high mirrors, creating the expanding environment.
“Our kaleidoscope is meant to represent how a simple and considered design, when supported with a material that can scale as intended, can return an experience that is far larger than what was built and what is anticipated,” said MAciej Woroniecki, Partner at STUFISH Entertainment Architects. “We feel this is the epitome of efficiency and sustainability in architecture.”
Taking place annually in Saudi Arabia, LEAP is the global platform and unique event for future technologies. It is the place where progress accelerates the most and the latest cuttingedge technologies are getting adapted first. As well as the design team behind the mammoth installation, STUFISH were also the content designers of the kaleidoscope. Photos: STUFISH www.onegiantleap.com www.stufish.com
BYRNE EQUIPS FORMULA E KSA
BYRNE EQUIPMENT RENTAL KSA PROVIDES A RANGE OF EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS, INCLUDING OVER 70 TEMPORARY BUILDINGS.
Byrne Equipment Rental KSA was tasked by its longstanding client, Tarfat Alebdaa (Blink), to supply a wide variety of equipment solutions for the Formula E in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia.
The supply comprised over 70 temporary buildings, including mixed ablution units in multiple configurations such as VIP, People of Determination, and regular 20ft, 32ft and 40ft units, as well as cabins utilised as office space and ticket offices, reefers, and storage containers. Byrne also supplied water and sewage management services as well as 24-hour on-site support for the client throughout the event. Photos: Byrne Equipment Rental www.byrnerental.com
AMAC PARTNERS WITH TAIDEN
THE MOVE SEEKS TO BRING SUSTAINABLE BENEFITS FOR BOTH COMPANIES.
AMAC has joined forces with China’s largest conference system manufacturer, Taiden.
The company behind various turnkey projects in the AV, lighting and control industry within the Middle East, Lebanon, North Africa and Asia, AMAC has already begun installing Taiden systems regionally.
“From previous experience, we have always seen and heard of Taiden’s quality and diverse profile,” stated Georges Tabet, Technical Manager at AMAC. “With the immense variability and customisation of products, we are now able to cater to a wider and global range of audience with the quality to back it up. We are very excited to be part of Taiden’s regional growth. To be able to work with a prestigious brand gives us the motivation to grow and confidently supply our clients with proper solutions.”
Taiden Vice President, Haitao Chen stated: “We believe our partnership with AMAC will bring mutual development and that the development will bring sustainable benefits to both parties. With AMAC’s wealthy experience and professionalism, this partnership will allow us to drive far more business impact for our clients.” Photos: AMAC, Taiden www.amacsarl.com www.taiden.com
DSF RESIDENT DRONE SHOW
SKYMAGIC PRODUCES THE LONGEST-EVER OUTDOOR RESIDENT DRONE SHOW, WITH 500 DRONES DELIVERING 54 SHOWS THROUGHOUT DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL.
Drone shows have become increasingly popular in recent years, with everything from brand activations to national celebrations making use of the futuristic aerial storytelling medium. In most cases, these shows are one-off performances experienced live only by the lucky few in attendance. However, Visit Dubai and DXB Live bucked this trend, tasking SKYMAGIC with producing the longest ever outdoor drone residency for the duration of Dubai Shopping Festival.
Taking place at 7.30pm and 9pm every night on Dubai’s JBR Beach, the shows celebrated the past, present and future of Dubai, against the iconic city skyline. A total of 500 drones from the SKYMAGIC fleet were used over the 54-show run, to explore specific parts of Dubai’s heritage and culture, while picking up on technological innovations across the region.
“This project was an exciting opportunity for us to run a show over a series of nights,” began Ollie Howitt, Creative Associate at SKYMAGIC. “Although the residency had to end early due to unrest in the region and subsequent flight bans, we still broke the record for the longest resident drone show. It meant that we could deliver that ‘wow’ moment repeatedly, and many more people could experience it than is possible with a one-off show.”
Howitt talked TPMEA through the process of advancing the residency. “Once the location, potential take-off and landing zone, flight parameters and aviation permissions were taken care of, we could then start a discussion from a creative standpoint about what story the client wanted to tell with the show,” she recalled.
“For DSF, there were three distinct shows, which all had different storylines. It was a case of working closely with the client to understand what they were looking to achieve and then guiding them on how we could turn that into something visual with the drones.” The show explored concepts based on Dubai’s future, including AI, robotics and the newly tested ‘flying car’. Other motifs focused on key parts of Dubai’s heritage, such as the Arabian coffee pot, a falcon, and the Al Sadu pattern. Complemented by the music of David Guetta’s Titanium, the dazzling display drew significant footfall to the area. The Creative Associate explained the importance of previsualisation when it comes to making sure that on-site changes are kept to a minimum. “The only tweaks we had to make to this show were a couple of minor lighting alterations,” she revealed. “We often work with clients for two to three months in the lead up to a show and we always give them an accurate representation of what the show will look like, so there are no surprises when we get to site. That back-and-forth process is important to get the creative finalised in advance.”
SKYMAGIC uses bespoke software to programme its fleet of drones, which is also developed entirely in-house. Their system automatically calculates collision-free flight paths and optimises trajectories, enabling unique LED light design to be in sync with music time code. “We build and fabricate all our own drones, which are 3D printed,” Howitt noted. “Our fleet
SKYMAGIC Creative Associate, Ollie Howitt.
is now in the thousands and it’s growing all the time, so we can do multiple shows in different locations at the same time. During DSF, we had one fleet in Dubai and another in the UK for the London New Year’s Eve show.”
With such a large fleet, the company can offer increasingly complex and creative shows. “The more drones you have, the more resolution you can achieve within the images and the denser the scenes can become. It also offers the possibility of having a split fleet, which allows quick cuts from scene to scene,” Howitt explained, adding that when it comes to drones, more doesn’t always mean better.
“It gives you more freedom, but there are other parameters that come into play such as flight space and take-off areas. It doesn’t always require several hundred drones to achieve something creative and striking.” Looking back on the project, Howitt was especially pleased with the fact that it fulfilled the team’s creative ambition. “This was most apparent in the third part of the show, which was based around Dubai’s future and was designed around the soundtrack to David Guetta’s Titanium,” she noted. “It was about building up and releasing energy until a climax, which was a huge, explosive 3D moment. The show was something I’ve wanted to explore for a while in terms of it being conceptual and abstract, using beautiful 3D forms that are hard to explain until you see it in real life. That is when the drones are performing to their potential – when you’re exploring those ever-shifting shapes and movements. That’s what stood out for me as the biggest achievement from the residency.” The Middle East has proved a happy hunting ground for SKYMAGIC, along with its sister company, UK-based creative studio, NEWSUBSTANCE, which has worked on numerous high-profile projects in the region, including Expo 2020 and UAE National Days.
“The region is so exciting because the ambition is there, and it is always pushing to be the frontrunner. They are always advancing technology and improving,” Howitt stated. “There’s an appetite for bold, new ideas – anything that’s audacious in design. It’s a great fit for what we’re trying to do as a creative studio, pushing the boundaries of both our technology and creativity. We hope that we will continue to do more and more work in the region.” Photos: SKYMAGIC www.skymagic.show www.newsubstance.co.uk
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